Iona going for third surgery next week

Question:
 I found another tumour on Iona last week. I'd made up my mind after her second surgery that that would be it -- I wouldn't put her through a third surgery. However, circumstances have changed. In a week the tumour has practically doubled in size. I took Iona to my vet tonight for a thorough examination, and her recommendation was to have the tumour removed as soon as possible because it's growing so quickly.

Iona hasn't been herself since Christmas. Nothing I could put my finger on...just the feeling that something wasn't quite right. Over the past couple of weeks she's gone downhill slowly...at times she acts confused, she doesn't use her hands to eat unless it's absolutely necessary (although her hands are functional and the vet tested her reflexes), she has porphryn around her eyes at times (a sign of illness or stress), is lethargic...Her appetite is still good, thank goodness. But I've been increasingly worried about her over the past week so I made the appointment with the vet. I had no idea what was wrong with her -- respiratory problems, pneumonia, strokes -- they're all pretty easy to spot. But whatever was wrong with her I had no idea.

She passed her examination. No respiratory problems, her lungs are clear except for a small occasional wheeze, no obvious masses in her abdomen, reflexes are good, eyes are clear. She's even gained weight The vet does think that whatever is going on with her, it's neurological. She thinks it's possible that Iona has had a small stroke (maybe two) and that accounts for the confusion, the lethargy and occasional weakness. Regardless, her advice was to have the tumour removed asap because it's grown quickly and is attached to some muscle and there's the worry that it'll grow into organs if it's cancerous, and even if it's not, it won't be long before her quality of life will be affected by it. It might even be interfering with her using her hands to eat now. So I've got an appointment for Wednesday the 12th with my other rat vet for surgery. As I said, I hadn't planned to put her through a third surgery, but I don't have much choice now. She's been put on baytril to deal with the small wheeze and to prevent any post-surgical infection that may set in because she is not at her best. So I'm pretty confident she'll come through okay. Actually, she'd perked up quite a bit when we got home and ate her meds mixed with whipped cream with gusto

As always, though, I'd appreciate everyone keeping Iona in their thoughts next Wednesday. This'll be the fifth tumour removed from her. And this surgery will truly be the last.


Answer:
 I'll keep Iona and you in my thoughts. This must be so hard for the both of you. We are here if you need to vent or talk


Answer:
 I am thinking of her and sending my best! I'm sure she'll come through just fine!


Answer:
 You & Iona are in my thoughts Bridgit. Iona is quite a little trooper.. I'm sure she'll come thru fine once again.


Answer:
 I'm thinking of you and Iona too. I know that this has been hard on you...but you have been so amazing in how you care for your ratties. Keep us posted.


Answer:
 Thank you so much, guys. I really appreciate the support. She actually perked up since coming home. A while ago she ate a big piece of timbit (actually held it for a bit while she ate, too) and is looking interested in her surroundings again At the vet's earlier this evening she looked absolutely miserable. I was saying to Christina earlier that I just realized...she was faking being sick because she knows that Vet Visit Day is also Timbit Day. Hmmmmm....I knew rats were clever, but I didn't know they could be so devious...


Answer:
 Hehe, sometimes I wonder if Syd does that too. She always gets spoiled for days after she's been at the vet. Hmmm...

I'm so glad to hear that Iona's perked up. It sounds like she'll be just fine and come through surgery with flying colors.


Answer:
 Wow, her 5th tumor, that's wild! Of course the 2 of you will be in my thoughts next Wednesday.
If you don't mind me asking, do you have insurance for your animals (especially the rats)?


Answer:
 Lanka, unfortunately it's not possible to get insurance for rats here. In England it's possible, but they're not covered here. I can understand that, really, because they are prone to so many health problems. I've been thinking about getting insurance for my cats more and more as they get older, though.
I suspect that if I have female rats again in the future, I'll have them spayed when they're old enough. There are studies that indicate spaying will prevent/reduce mammary tumours in rats later in life. It would be a pricey surgery, but when you add up the cost of multiple delumping surgeries (even doing it on the cheap, as I do. My regular rat vet charges $300 + to remove a tumour, but my rat surgeon vet only charges a fraction of that), the cost of the spay would be a bargain.


Answer:
 I didn't think of that, it makes sense. If rats are prone to tumors, then people aren't likely to insure them. It's neat about spaying being a help though.
Your rat surgeon sounds really kind. I'm glad you found him/her.